Chelsea may spend big soon as ‘London trip booked’ for Lukaku replacement talks

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Juventus staff have reportedly booked a trip to London this week to discuss Dusan Vlahovic’s future with Chelsea, it has been claimed in Italy. The Serie A side have several stars who could be offloaded this summer due to their high-profile financial difficulties. 

Chelsea apparently want to sign Vlahovic as their new No 9, replacing the outgoing Romelu Lukaku. Mauricio Pochettino has inherited a squad that scored just 38 times in the Premier League last season, using Kai Havertz as a makeshift centre-forward. 

Reports in Italy claim that the West Londoners are expected to launch a £69million bid for Vlahovic. The attacker was Juve’s top scorer last term, bagging 14 goals. 

Vlahovic reportedly wants to leave Juve this summer, just 18 months after snubbing Arsenal to join the Old Lady from Fiorentina. Juve hope to recoup most of the £67m they paid for the 23-year-old in January 2022. 

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According to Corriere dello Sport, Juve chiefs have flights scheduled to London this week. The trip will reportedly involve discussions with Chelsea over Vlahovic’s future. 

However, there are several other transfers that could be discussed. Winger Federico Chiesa has also been linked with an exit to Aston Villa or Liverpool. 

Chelsea reportedly hope to offload Lukaku before they sign a replacement. Inter Milan are apparently interested in taking the Belgian for a third spell, but will need to part with a hefty transfer fee to lure him back to Italy. 

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter would prefer an initial loan agreement with a future obligation to buy Lukaku for around £26m. That figure would see Chelsea make a net loss of over £70m.

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Lukaku’s second spell at Chelsea never got going, with an interview just three months after his arrival confirming that he wished to return to Inter. The 30-year-old eventually returned to the Nerazzurri a year ago – completing a season-long loan. 

However, Lukaku now returns to Stamford Bridge with his future in doubt. Wide-ranging reports claim that the former Manchester United and Everton star has rejected a monstrous contract offer from Saudi Arabia, insisting that he would prefer to remain in Europe. 

Chelsea’s need for a forward became even clearer following the departure of Havertz to London rivals Arsenal last week. 

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